EVALUATION OF IN-VIVO ANTIACNE PROPERTIES OF CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS, A MEDICINAL PLANT

Abstract

About 80–90% of teens experience acne at some point during their youth. Conversely, allopathic drugs may have a number of unfavourable side effects. Various botanical extracts, oils, and ayurvedic formulations have been employed as natural therapies for acne therapy since ancient times. Numerous indigenous medical systems around the world have documented the use of Citrullus colocynthis in medicine. Examining the plant's use, this study assesses Citrullus colocynthis, a medicinal herb, for its in-vivo anti-acne properties. Plant portion was harvested, extracted with appropriate solvent analysed for qualitative as well as quantitative examination. The extract's anti-acne properties were examined in both in vitro and in vivo systems. The percentage yield of Citrullus colocynthis's pet ether and hydroalcoholic extract was determined to be 3.2% and 8.7%, respectively, according to the results. Numerous secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins, and diterpenes, are abundant in Citrullus colocynthis. Citrullus colocynthis hydroalcoholic extract was found to have a total flavonoid and alkaloid concentration of 1.02 mg/100 and 0.56 mg/100, respectively. Citrullus colocynthis extract was shown to have a zone of inhibition measuring 14±0.57mm, 9±0.94mm, and 8±0.5mm at concentrations of 100 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 25 mg/ml, in that order.  On day ten, the ear thickness in the group receiving clindamycin was determined to be 0.09. After 10 days, the ear thickness values for Citrullus colocynthis extract at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg were found to be 0.22 and 0.18, respectively. As a result, the extract at this dosage showed a robust anti-acne effect by reducing inflammation quickly and persistently.

Keywords: Acne, Medicinal plants, Citrullus colocynthis, P. acne, Clindamycin, Ear thickness